Lebanese troops clashed with suspected Islamist gunmen in the northern city of Tripoli late on Saturday and early Sunday after soldiers came under fire during searches for militant hideouts, security sources said.

According to Reuters, they said soldiers were storming an apartment used by suspected militants shortly before midnight when they came under fire. An exchange of fire ensued, involving assault rifles and grenades.

At least seven militants were killed, the army and police said on Sunday. A soldier was killed "when terrorists opened fire during the night on an army jeep" in the Abu Samra area of the northern port city, a military spokesman told AFP. He said seven soldiers were wounded.

Militants had also killed three of the building's residents -- a policeman, his young daughter and a relative.

Lebanese army units blocked off roads leading to the area and brought in reinforcements, including armoured troop carriers. The shooting eased some 30 minutes later and the sources said the gunmen were holed up inside a building.